## **ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS Sunday 26[th] April 2026 at 3.30 pm in St Nicolas' Church, Prestbury** ## **AGENDA** 1. Opening Prayers 2. Appointment of Clerk to the meeting 3. Minutes of Previous Meeting on 6[th] April 2025 4. Election of Churchwardens ## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Sunday 26[th] April 2026** _**To follow the Annual Meeting of Parishioners**_ ## **AGENDA** 1. Appointment of Clerk to the meeting 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting on 6th April 2025 4. Report on the Electoral Roll 5. Annual Report of the PCC 6. Report for the Parish of Prestbury - Team Rector's report 7. Financial Review (Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 are in a separate document) 8. Report of the PCC Secretary 9. Reports on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish 10. Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod 11. Report on the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod 12. Other reports on Parish Activities - Sunday Club - Special activities and events 13. Elections to the PCC 14. Appointment of Independent Examiner 15. Matters of Parochial Interest - Dearly Preloved shop - Prestbury Parish magazine - Prestbury Church Hall - Friends of Saint Mary's ## **3. Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Parishioners, and Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 6th April 2025 at 1.15 pm** Printed in separate document. ## **4. Report on the Electoral Roll** Updated figures will be supplied at the APCM. ## **5. Annual Report of Prestbury PCC for the year ended 31st December 2025** ## **Administrative Information** St Mary’s and St Nicolas’ Churches are situated in Prestbury, Cheltenham. They are part of the Diocese of Gloucester within the Church of England. Their correspondence address is:- North Cheltenham Team Ministry Office, 5 High Street, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL25 3AR m Team Ministry OfficHStreet, Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL52 The Parochial Church Council (PCC) was registered as a charity in August 2009: charity number 1130933. PCC members who have served from 1 January 2025 until the date this was approved are:- ## Ex officio Revd Nicholas Bromfield (Chairman) Linda Biggs (Lay Chair) ## - Churchwardens (ex officio): Helen Mann ) St Mary's Stewart Wright ) St Mary's Janet Waters ) St Nicolas' Margaret Compton ) St Nicolas' ## Treasurer Philip Lasseter |Elected PCC Members

Gill Cartwright
Lorna Dymock
Andrew Wood
Marcus Steel
Dawn Davis
Jackie Smith
|Elected
2023

2023
2025
2023
2024
2025|Term
2026
2026
2028
2026
2027
2028| |---|---|---| ## Diocesan Synod Reps |Mary Turner 2024|2027| |---|---| |Chris Horswell 2024|2027| |od Reps|| |Margaret Compton 2023|2026| |Christopher Parsons 2023|2026| |Thelma Mumford 2024|2027| |Susan Challenger 2025|2028| ## Deanery Synod Reps Secretary: Stella Caney (not a PCC Member) ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The method of appointment of PCC Members is as agreed by Prestbury APCM in 2009. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. ## **Objectives and Activities** Prestbury PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the Ecclesiastical Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St Mary’s and St Nicolas’ Churches and associated properties. _Stella Caney PCC Secretary_ ## **6. Report for the Parish of Prestbury** ## **Team Rector’s Report 2026** 2025 was a year of continuing consolidation and growth in all aspects of church life. Once again, our parish supplied 8 Confirmation candidates at the Cathedral’s Holy Saturday Easter Eve Diocesan Confirmation Service, over one third of the candidates! The Dearly Pre-Loved Shop is well established on Prestbury High Street, with around 35 volunteers and enormous levels of donations from local people and those living further afield. The Shop provides a highly valued social network as well, all under Julia Martin-Jones’ watchful managerial eye! The number of people worshipping at our Sunday services increases, with new faces and families. Unlike most churches, we are now exceeding the congregation levels from pre-Covid. While there has been some recovery nationally in overall numbers, the decline in Sunday and midweek attendance and at Easter and Christmas remains a real worry and there are clearly no ‘quick fixes’ available. The number of clergy being ordained each year has fallen and together with the numbers retiring in the next five years, this means we need more ordinands than ever before properly to cover the nations’ parishes. Meanwhile, it is a salutary shock that most churches in our country attract just 3% at most of the local population on any Sunday. It’s a reminder that there are many roads and blocks of apartments and flats in our big parish from which we draw no members. I am convinced that people are often just waiting to be invited. Not many years ago there was ‘Back to Church Sunday’, and please: never feel shy about inviting someone you know to church. You can always blame the Rector! The last census showed that our part of Cheltenham has around 60% of people – the highest in the area - saying they have a Christian faith. This means local people are very well disposed towards the church – we just need to make the connection with them and surround them with a big St Nics or St Mary’s welcome when they come! The main Sunday morning congregations at St Mary’s are regularly around 100 (plus), still more for the Healing Eucharists. Around three-quarters of those attending the Healing Eucharist at St Mary’s receive the laying on of hands and anointing each time. The 8 o’clock Eucharist has attracted new members, comfortably averaging mid-20s. At St Nic’s, our numbers are strong and robust, with new joiners and newcomers always warmly welcomed into the St Nics family both on Sundays and throughout the week, while we stay connected with those not able to make the services themselves through online services and Home Communions by our dedicated team. Church Hall bookings are very strong though the week each month. Couples to want to marry here, and it is lovely to take wedding bookings, including from couples who have attended our weddings and want the same for them – and this even includes wedding photographers, too! Baptisms remain high, showing how much local parents value how we serve them. The number of funerals can be high, particularly in the winter months, going against the trend towards direct cremations and celebrant-led services. It has been a joy to see Helen Mann’s qualification as a Funeral Minister in 2025 after a period of intensive study, her licensing at the Cathedral, and her growing ministry with our funeral families where she is greatly appreciated. As is usually the case, there are many other things to mention. The family service ‘Breakfast Celebrate!’ held weekly at the School on Bouncers Lane, is now well into its fifth year, combining a healthy breakfast from 9.00 am, then worship with our puppets, with modern music and worship songs, wonderfully led by Matt Allison. We draw in new families offering accessible, friendly worship for local people. I really wish that I could name everyone! A huge thank you to our Readers and retired Clergy, dedicated Churchwardens, Treasurers, Safeguarding Officer, PCC members and PCC Secretary, Electoral Roll Officer, Bereavement Support Team, two Church Choirs, Musicians and Organists, and Worship Leaders, weekly lesson readers and intercessors. Meanwhile our teams of gravediggers, cleaners, clock winders and flower arrangers, our bell ringers, gardeners and grasscutters, our race day car parkers and breakfast caterers, our refreshment teams, our vergers, our acolytes, and sacristans, our church lockers and un-lockers, the Magazine Editor and so many others, together with our former LMT Members – all of whom do so much from the depths of their own personal faith to further the mission of our two churches. _Do please forgive me if I have unintentionally missed anyone out._ Without you, it would be impossible to run all of our services, occasional offices, and support groups. A special mention for our Reader and Safeguarding Officer, Linda Biggs whose selfless service over more than three decades and warm personal approach have been so vital as our number of volunteers expands. Lastly, a big thank you to you as you pray for me day by day, week by week, and supply so many provisions to the Rectory – your support means so much, particularly after I was ‘signed off’ by the doctor last autumn and after my recent operation. ## _Revd Nick Bromfield_ _Team Rector_ ## **7. Financial Statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2025 (see also separate document)** ## **Financial Review** The main income of the parish is in the Unrestricted Funds where the PCC has complete discretion as to how the funds are spent. This fund is showing a net income of £11,526 (Income £9,204 Dec 2024) for the year. The single greatest item of expenditure each year is the Parish Share, or Quota, paid to the Diocese which provides and pays for the clergy and other services. During 2025 this was £173,168 (£162,000 Dec 2024). ## Reserves Policy It is the PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds that equates to 6 months operational costs, to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time. ## Funds The unrestricted funds of £290,438 as at 31st December 2025 are held mainly in three separate deposit accounts between the two churches and the St Nicolas church hall. The restricted funds of £513,601 are split between Prestbury Hall valuation £350,000: Friends of St Mary £143,351 for fabric and Youth fund £20,250. The Endowment funds of £34,407 are mainly for the maintenance of the churchyard. ## Summary. The current reserves of the parish are healthy relative to a number of other PCCs. The parish share requested for 2026 was considerably higher again, but the PCC have decided not to meet this and instead have pledged £100,000. _Philip Lasseter Treasurer_ ## **8. Report of the PCC Secretary** In 2025, the Prestbury PCC met for a full meeting on five occasions during the year, with an average attendance of 12 members. Details of PCC membership are as listed in the Annual report of Prestbury PCC earlier in this document. The PCC has discussed many matters during the year, among them:- - Proposed recruitment of Children and Families worker, which involved a number of meetings and reports. - Increases in congregation numbers, particularly noted for Christmas 2024 - Report on the successful Christmas Day lunch in Prestbury - Dearly Preloved Shop/staffing, Team Office premises and Post Office facility - The income from the shop has been very much welcomed - Bi-monthly update on the Financial status, provided by the Treasurer - Fees increase for weddings etc. - Contributions made by the Friends of St Mary’s - Safeguarding policy additions, eg the necessity for clearance for non-church organisations who use church facilities, and of individuals keeping up to date with their modules. - Administration of Holy Communion/ Intinction - Updates from Building and Fabric Committees, including varied work carried out at St Nicolas, plus the roof and organ repairs that took place at St Mary’s - Open Gardens event and management - Christian Aid – visit by Co-ordinator - School Governor vacancies, including the change in requirements for Foundation Governors. - Requests for internment of ashes in St Mary’s churchyard, along with consideration given to the amount of space still available. - Dog-walking in St. Mary’s churchyard - Mission and Evangelism – Lent course/Pilgrim course - Confirmations to be held in Gloucester on Holy Saturday - Helen Mann’s appointment as Funerals Minister - Arrangements to cover for Fr Nick’s absence on sick leave. - Prestbury hall – legal fees and necessity for more secure access The PCC has received regular reports from the various sub-committees. _Stella Caney PCC Secretary_ ## **9. Reports on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Parish** ## **Buildings and fabric report (St. Mary’s) to the APCM 2026** All of the usual (and many) routine checks/tests have been completed plus the annual gutter clearing. Fibre was installed via the kitchen. The overhaul of the organ was completed in May 2025. Spring & autumn deep cleaning of the church has taken place in addition to the weekly cleaning. A great deal of work has been ongoing throughout the year to try to get approval for a number of schemes including repair to floor tiles and exterior step to south door, an alternative to our ageing and failing heating system and a scheme for an accessible toilet along with total revamp of kitchen facilities. Unfortunately, none of these projects have been actioned due to restrictions by, and lack of communication from, the diocese. The churchyard has benefitted from regular mowing, gardening, Spring and Autumn ‘tidy-ups’, two full H&S safety checks and replacement of stolen garden machinery. Over several months, various volunteers have helped clear around 150 memorials of encroaching grass and raised sunken memorials. The role of H&S officer has been allocated to Alistair Nichols. _Helen Mann and Stewart Wright Churchwardens St Mary's Church Prestbury_ ## **St Nicolas’ Church – Churchwardens’ Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments** Throughout the year various members of the congregation have carried out the upkeep of the church and church grounds, for which we are truly thankful. The annual safety inspection of gas, electrics and fire appliances have been satisfactorily carried out in both the church and church hall. Work to decorate the main church, church room and kitchen has been undertaken involving replastering and repainting of walls. The former Team Office has been refurbished, to include the boxing in of the boiler and heating pipes, a hanging rail for choir robes and a mirror has been fitted. This is now being used as the Choir Vestry. The Sacristy and Ambulatory have also been redecorated including repainting and repair of plaster where required. A water heater has been installed under the sink in the Sacristy plus new blinds at the windows, a big improvement from the previous curtains. Cupboards have been fitted in the Ambulatory. The Sacristy, Ambulatory and Choir Vestry have all had new heaters installed. Full fibre broadband has now been installed to the church building with Octaplus internet provider. In the summer the five yearly Quinquennial inspection took place and a report received with no major issues. However the recommendation was made that a Fire Safety Strategy plan should be developed and implemented with consideration given to the installation of a fire alarm system. Externally all hedges around the perimeter of the church have been trimmed along with overhanging trees and felling of one tree on the Bolton Road side of the church. In relation to the church hall the upper lobby double doors have been replaced with fire regulation standard. New roller blinds have been hung in the hall side room windows. Margaret Compton and Janet Waters Wardens ## **10. Report on the proceedings of the Cheltenham Deanery Synod.** During 2025 Margaret, Chris and Thelma have attended the Deanery Synod meetings. We have met in various places across the Deanery. All meeting begin and end in a prayer given by the incumbent of the host church. Tea, biscuits and sometimes cake is served before the meeting while the members catch up with one another. In March the meeting was held at St Paul's Church and the talk was presented by Lisa-Jane Lewis, the Diocesan Stewardship and Giving Advisor, who was able to draw on her background in charity fundraising to outline the support available to churches. She has developed a series of workshops addressing common financial challenges, covering areas including grant applications, fundraising, friends’ schemes, community relationships, digital giving, legacies, and planned giving. She emphasized the importance of approaching businesses with a specific project they can contribute to; the potential use of business logos in exchange; and the need to look at local branches of national organisations. Challenges discussed included poor Wi-Fi in rural areas, the visibility of small contactless giving devices, and difficulties in engaging community response. She encouraged churches to help people increase their giving in line with inflation via the Parish Giving Scheme, and to frame legacy gifts as a fraction or percentage of an estate rather than a fixed sum. She said she would always be happy to visit churches to preach on stewardship should she be asked. The Parish Share was discussed, we were advised that the Share amounts would be based on a percentage of an £83,000 incumbent cost, fixed for three years. The Deanery Strategic Plan was also visited, and we were advised there are various options available In June we visited Emmanuel Church where Ben Williams, Principal of All Saints' Academy, gave an overview of the school, which is approximately 14 years old and the Diocese of Gloucester's largest school. It serves around 1,100 students, predominantly from West Cheltenham, with some students choosing it specifically as a faith school. Originally a joint Roman Catholic and Anglican foundation, the school now operates as Anglican only. The school offers GCSEs, A Levels and Vocational qualifications alongside enhanced Religious Education through taught lessons and daily Acts of Worship. The whole community worships together once a week. Christian values are embedded in all aspects of school life through 'The All Saints Way'. The school is genuinely comprehensive in its intake and outcomes. Ben highlighted ways in which the Deanery community could support the school: through prayer, offering work experience placements, and helping promote the school to prospective parents and students. Governors are appointed by Bishop Robert. The school is state-funded and welcomes visits from the wider Cheltenham church community. We were also given an update on the progress of the Strategic Plan In October we were hosted by, St Michael's Church where we had two talks one by Revd James White described the work of St Michael's Church and the Cornerstone Community Centre, which now operate as a closely integrated entity. The Centre hosts a wide variety of community meetings (including AA) and benefits from a strong volunteer presence every day. The local area has significant deprivation: only 2 in 40 children are at their expected level of attainment, and key community needs include food provision and toddler groups. Their work is focused on building relationships — with others, with the world, and with God. Having previously operated separately, the church and centre now work as one, reflecting a shared mission to the local community. The second talk was given by Amanda Thiselton presented the work of Gloucestershire Nightstop, a non-faith organisation affiliated to Nightstop UK, which supports young people aged 16–25 across the county to find accommodation, stability, and routes into education or employment. The organisation's vision is to prevent youth homelessness entirely. The greatest need is for more volunteer hosts. The Deanery was encouraged to consider offering to be a Short or Long Stop host, providing a home, or volunteering as a driver. We were advised that Parishes are at varying stages of their payment of the Parish Share and there was nothing to report on the Deanery Strategic Plan ## **11. Report on the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod** The Diocesan Synod has met three times in the reporting period. 2nd July 2025, 4th October 2025 and 31st January 2026. Mary Turner has been unable to join these meetings due to ill health. Chris Horswell was unable to join the 2nd July meeting due to work commitments. 31st January 2026 Bishop Rachel (BR) had recently returned from a visit to Israel and Palestine. Her visit had been hosted by Father Fadi Diab, Rector of St Andrew’s Church in Ramallah and St Peter’s Church in Bir Zeit, within the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Father Fadi gave a harrowing description of everyday life, including the challenges of moving around and simply going to work. There is more detail of BR’s trip on the Gloucester Diocese website. The Annual Safeguarding report was delivered by Bishop Robert, together with Debbie InnesTurnill and Brett Riches. Bishop Robert has recently been appointed as the national lead Bishop for Safeguarding. He highlighted the work that is now underway following the General Synod approved reforms to safeguarding structures. There is desire to move at pace, while ensuring that the processes are right. Chelmsford and Liverpool have both had warning from the Charity Commissioners regarding failure to act appropriately, these warnings raise issues for every diocese to reflect on. The role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer was discussed; the workload looks as through it will only increase. (A personal comment from me, that I did feedback is that it is important to remember that PSOs are volunteers, the Church relies on discretionary effort and if the role becomes too onerous volunteers won’t want to do or possibly won’t have the time if they have full time day jobs and families as well, Andrew Smith from Severn Vale echoed this). There was much discussion. There will be a one-day conference on 1 st May 2026 at All Saints Academy. After coffee there was then a long session on the environment, led by Erica Siddall the Net Zero Carbon Manager, she shared research that claimed that environmental credibility is a key driver in bringing people back to church and it can also encourage clergy posts in the diocese. More churches should register for Eco Church 0 and those who have should improve their status. All churches are encouraged to complete The Energy Footprint Tool by the end of June. There was discussion about clapped out old boilers and the cost of heat pumps, there is funding available when needed. Finance Update. Archdeacon Katrina gave an update on Parish Share 2025 and thanked PCCs for generous giving, the new Parish Share scheme is about listening and dialogue, with a hope for realistic generosity. At the time of the meeting £6.51m had been received of the target £6.7m, PCCs were asked to contribute their commitments if they haven’t already done so. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## 4th October 2025 There was a long presentation from the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative, introduced by BR. The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative is committed to advancing racial justice by transforming church structures and communities across the region. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and in partnership with six Midlands’ dioceses and the National Church, we work to dismantle systemic racism, ensuring that every individual, regardless of race or background, belongs, thrives, and experiences the love of God. The presentation was delivered by Douglas Machiridza, Co-Director, and Seun Cole, Data Officer. Douglas explained the vision and the strategy and the hope to see racism eliminated from structures and practices in churches. There were comments on how this can be addressed in areas that are predominantly white, where there is little experience of racism. BR commented that all of our communities have diversity, it’s important that we are aware of it and have the conversations. BR said that she had seen many examples of racism, this can be in things such as posters and websites. We need to be aware of the impact of all media. Bishop Robert led a session on Deanery Strategic Plans, the themes that run through the plans are; church buildings, administration and governance, children and young people, finance, new housing and collaborative ministry. Three deaneries are in the process of appointing Deanery Operation Leads, Gloucester City, Wotton and Cirencester. Sandra Miller, Director of Mission and Ministry talked about the value of all ministry and encouragement of gifts and skills, she talked about Foundational Learning where lay and ordained leaders learn and train together. Sandra also talked about reflective practice groups (talking and learning from each other) and Thriving Church Days. Davis Evans, Strategic Enabler, led a wide discussion about the role of Deanery Operations Leads, the key purpose of this role being able to manage administration and operations to release others for ministry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## 2nd July BR led a discussion on Living in Love and Faith The Living in Love and Faith process is part of a longer journey of the Church of England to listen, learn and respond to changing views in our society towards identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Despite big differences over the best approach to take, the Church agrees it needs to better include and support LGBTQI+ people. Members of Synod took part in a discussion to provide feedback for BR and others to report back to General Synod. The subject is a very complex and clearly divides opinion across the Church, there is a need to accommodate all without creating further division, a challenge with the diversity of views. There have been very fractious synods in some dioceses, BR and Bishop Robert were thanked for the safe spaces that have been created in the Gloucester Diocese for these discussions to take place. Archdeacon Hilary provided feedback on the Parish Share Process, the members approved the new process, nem con. The budget for 2026 was approved, this has no reduction in Parish Clergy. Parish Share contribution to the budget will be £6.9m. 2024 accounts showed Parish Share at £6.5m and a reduction in clergy from 126 to 121 over the year. The balance sheet shows an increase from £106m to £116m due to the sale of land in Leckhampton, others sale of property and revaluation of glebe property. ## _Chris Horswell_ _Diocesan Synod Representative_ ## **12. Other reports on Parish Activities** ## **SUNDAY CLUB** Sunday school has continued fortnightly throughout the year, with limited but regular attendance plus visitors. It was good to welcome several large attendances during the summer months when Celebrate were on their summer break. We were blessed with warm and dry weather so we held classes in the churchyard. Of late there has been a decline in attendances and we need to consider whether there is a need for Sunday school at St. Mary’s at this time. The Sunday school children generally join us for the other creative activities throughout the year and also enjoyed the ‘God in nature’ walks during the summer. ## _Helen Mann_ _Churchwarden St Mary's Church Prestbury_ ## **OTHER EVENTS** The school have visited on several occasions over the course of the year. They displayed their Spring art work on the yew trees in April of both last year and this, some sixty children and their helpers joined us in the churchyard for the annual churches count on nature week in June and two groups came along in March of this year to locate and uncover memorials which had disappeared under soil and grass. The bell ringers treated us to a wonderful peal to mark the VE day 80[th] anniversary in May and Rev’d Pauline led a special service also. In May we enjoyed the Rogation procession visiting local gardens and sharing refreshments in the evening sunshine afterwards. June is the month for Churches count on nature week with the customary Saturday morning nature crafts, Bat/moth count, schools visit and week-long access to the nature trail. Prestbury open gardens took place in June and was an outstanding success, the gardens were beautiful and attendances plentiful! The Arch Deacon’s visitation (formal swearing in of Churchwardens) took place at St. Phillip and St. James’ in July. In September a robust group of us cleared the Idsall car park so that we may use it for Sundayservices parking. Julie Jefferies (URC) presided at the annual Celtic Communion held amongst the fir trees at Lineover wood, preceded by an hour-long walk around the wood. A number of us from church have been involved in the starting up and running of the repair café which opened for its first monthly session in the scout hut on Saturday 27[th.] September, the month was rounded off with a joyful afternoon-tea at St. Nicolas hall to thank all the many volunteers for all that they do on behalf of our churches. In October we had an informal ‘light up the church’ gathering on All Hallows eve. In Early December we thoroughly enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree and an afternoon of seasonal crafts for adults as well as the children. The church was filled with activity and excitement and quite a bit of glitter. Arch Deacon Katrina presided at the11am on the 14[th] December. The year was rounded off with joyful and uplifting carol singing at the local pubs. In January of this year there was an ecumenical service of prayer held at the United Reformed Church, to which a good and varied number attended to mark the week of Christian unity. We were graced with the presence of Bishop Rachel at our Ash Wednesday evening service in February of this year. Throughout the year we have admired the floral team’s work especially at Easter, Christmas, Remembrance and Harvest. ## _Helen Mann_ _Churchwarden St Mary's Church Prestbury_ ## **13. Elections to the PCC** Any changes will be reported at the meeting. ## **14. Appointment of Independent Examiner** To be confirmed at the meeting **.** ## **15. Matters of Parochial interest** ## **DEARLY PRELOVED SHOP** Our principal aim was to show how the Church lives out of the Christian Gospel in the heart of the Parish and on this side of Cheltenham. The shop is thriving and exceeded our hopes. Many new faces and families have been introduced to the church through the shop - either donating, buying or volunteering-and the feedback is that people love being involved and be part of the Gospel’s Good News in action. The shop is firmly part of Prestbury High Street retail and social community. After almost a second full year of trading we look forward to our second anniversary on 24[th] May 2026. The operation has grown and matured in several ways as we understand retailing principles more deeply, e.g. stock and display renewal, management of donations, matching volunteers to their interest and skill sets. All 35 volunteers are trained to basic safeguarding levels and have DBS checked where required. More volunteers have joined, and we have never had to close due to lack of staff cover. A small number of Duke of Edinburgh Award teenagers have volunteered and also stay on the rota afterwards. Pricing is deliberately realistic and affordable to enable the widest possible appeal to people living close by in a highly varied demographic, including children and young adults. Seasonal changes to shop front displays reflect the Christian seasons & festivals through the liturgical year. A special thankyou to Julia Martin-Jones who has volunteered for the last two years as Manager, supported by a steering group who jointly work together for the enterprise. _Stewart Wright_ _Churchwarden St Mary's Church Prestbury_ ## **PRESTBURY PARISH MAGAZINE** ## Report for 2025 to the APCM, 26 April 2026 We have been able to publish 11 issues again this year. The initial print run is 130 copies, which is significantly down from previous years. This deters the potential advertisers. Each monthly issue is prepared and posted erratically on the prestbury.net website for everyone to read. I wish to thank the regular contributors and the occasional contributors. Without them there would be no magazine. Very nearly everything sent to the magazine is included. David Lyle continues to persuade people to write Book Reviews. Richard Johnson looks after the day-to-day management of the advertisers who provide much needed funds for our churches. I coordinate and compile the magazine. Edward Wyatt checks the proof copies. Our Administrator, Karen Weir, prints the magazines. Thank you to all those. The magazine is on sale in Dearly Pre-loved as well as our two churches. I hope there is each month something of interest to our churchgoers and those in the wider community. However, for a church magazine there is little ‘church’. Material suitable to fill this void seems to be published elsewhere. Since October, when Fr Nick was on sick leave, the Revd Jacqueline has forwarded to this magazine copies of her ‘Reflections’, which appear in the Swindon Village magazine. These reflections have been well received and I am very grateful for them. They make a good opening read. Our monthly theme continues to provide the cornerstone for illustrated articles. I would like more people to write something for the magazine whether it be a report of an interesting event or news of something to come or what’s going on in your church or about a random thought which could be shared. It is not that hard. Contributors need not stick to the theme each month. It is there to drop an idea into people’s minds as a starting point. Any item of general or local interest submitted will be considered for publication. Please submit articles to _magazine @ prestbury.net_ or to the address in the back of each magazine. _Brian Wood_ ## **PRESTBURY CHURCH HALL** In writing this report I am mindful that some are not aware that the hall in Bouncers Lane is an asset of the PCC, it is the former church hall. The management of the hall is undertaken by a group of trustees, originally led by the late Cyril Beer. Two of the trustees have been in post for the life of the group, John Petchey and Linda Dove and we should all be grateful for their contribution and service to the community. The trustees lease the building from the PCC and pay rent accordingly, this is not a huge sum, but the trustees have removed the financial liability from the PCC and made considerable investment in the property, enabling it to become a valuable asset for the wider community of Prestbury. The trustees have also endeavoured to keep the fees charged to users as low as possible to allow a wide range of activities to take place at competitive prices, so that people are not excluded from joining the various clubs for cost reasons. In previous times the hall was a liability to the PCC, the words below were written by former Rector, Stephen Gregory, to describe the hall, which I am grateful to Matt Allison for finding in the archives. - _unattractive and unwelcoming_ - _wrong image for Church_ - _poor décor - looks run down_ - _curtains old_ - _tubular lighting unpleasant_ - _kitchen equipment insufficient_ - _heaters unattractive and difficult to operate_ - _floor needs replacing_ - _toilets not up to end of century standards_ - _chairs need replacing_ - _poor backstage facilities_ - _presently no room for Parish Office_ - _car park small & used by garages, visitors & parents at schools, neighbours._ Over twenty years, most of the issues above have been tackled. The lease that was agreed in 2005 ran out in 2025 and the trustees are working with the PCC to put a new lease in place as soon as possible. This report is not the place to discuss all of the challenges with this transaction, but the Church of England and the Charities Commission can make things more complicated than would seem necessary to most. On top of everything else that he does Stewart Wright has invested a great deal of time to work through this process. Each week a wide range of activities take place: Karate, Coady dancing, Ballet, Pilates, preschool football, Tai-Chi, Zumba (keep fit), Yoga, adult dance and exercise, Bridge and Badminton – something for everyone. In addition, the Southam Drama Group books the hall each year for its pantomime – and usually sells out. The trustees are currently discussing a major project that will change access and entry to the hall. These changes have been suggested following an inspection by Gloucestershire Police, the trustees invited the Police to advise on the security profile of the hall, following recent national incidents where children have been attacked during leisure activities. The Police recommendations will be implemented; this will require an investment of c£12,000. Over the last twenty years the trustees have made the following investments in the hall to make it fit for purpose and improve the facility: |Date|Details|Cost| |---|---|---| |2005|Urgent repairs to felt roof. Interior decoration|£15,000| |2007|New roof|£35,000| |2007|New toilets,disabled facilities. Heatingsystem|£7,000| |2008|Windows and doors replaced|£25,000| |2010|Kitchen refurbishment|£4,500| |2013|Floor refurbishment|£1,900| |2018|Side Extension|£21,000| |2019|New LED lighting|£5,000| |2021|Floor refurbishment|£2,250| |2022|New boundarymetal fencingandgate|£2,000| |2024|Resurface carpark|£12,000| The total investment above is over £130,000 and the trustees aim to maintain a prudent reserve to be able to deal with emergency repairs to the hall should they be required. The trustees are a mix of volunteers from St Mary’s and active members of the Prestbury Community. The current team is John Petchey, Linda Dove, Paul Banks, Maurice Newman, Simon Dove, Jon Whitlock and Chris Horswell. John, Maurice and Chris are members of the 08.00 congregation and Paul 11.00. Simon and Linda are well known in Prestbury, not least Linda for running the playgroup at the hall for many years. We are extremely fortunate to have Jon as our treasurer, in “real life” he is Head of Finance at Cheltenham Borough Council. As well as the investment above, enthusiastic DIY by the trustees has saved considerable expense, in the past year. Maurice and John hired a mini digger to dig out and clear a blocked drain, Paul and Maurice re-hung the stage curtain including restoration of the curtain tracks and the whole team had a working Saturday clearing the grounds, these activities saved several thousand pounds from professional estimates to complete the work. Paul does a terrific job managing the users, and as you can imagine, answering a myriad of questions. We would be delighted to welcome new trustees, John and Maurice have been extraordinary trustees, but I am sure by their own admission would no longer qualify for a youth opportunity programme, I know that they would be delighted to see somebody come forward and offer the energy and dedication that they have over the years. If you are interested in joining us, or just have other questions, please talk to us on Sunday mornings. Chris Horswell Chair of the Trustees March 2026 ## **FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S REPORT 2025** In 2025 two repair projects were completed which FOSM had agreed to fund, but others were frustratingly delayed. There was a program of fund raising which were supported by the membership but also by nonFOSM members. Our secretary retired from the committee. Amendments to the FOSM Constitution were approved by the PCC. Contributions were made to some of the costs of the following fabric projects: Restoration of the Organ; North Pitch of the Nave Roof; Architect Fees. The committee was aware of the following projects planned by the PCC: Repairing Floor Tiles; Replacement of the Boiler; Providing an Accessible Toilet. The FOSM fund had received the final payment of the Chantree legacy and raised money through a Quiz, support of Prestbury Open Gardens, Severn’s Eight singing for the Patronal Festival, and Whisky tasting. About £140,000 remained in the fund. _David Lyle Chairman FOSM_ PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds Notg 2025 2024 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Investment inwme Other income 21al 21bl 21¢) 21dl 227,578 125,501 7,265 1,047 7,320 4,000 6,777 234,897 129,501 14,043 1,047 219,663 86,557 18,407 TOTAL INCOME 361,391 18,097 379,488 324,626 EXPENDITURE Expenditure on charitable adivities Other expenditure 31al 31bl 321,192 28,672 51,922 373,115 28,672 301,533 26,919 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 349,865 51,922 401,787 328,451 NET INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI 11,526 33,825 22,299 3,825 Transfer between funds Gainslllossesl on investments - unrealised Gains on revaluation of fixed assets {1,433) (1,433) 802 41al NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 11,528 33,825 1,433 23,732 3,023 BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY 2025 278,912 547,426 35,840 862,178 865,201 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 290,438 513,601 34,407 838,446 862,178 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets Investment assets 4{a) 4{b) 387,299 34,407 421,706 387,405 35,840 423,245 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand 4,305 344,223 69,561 418,089 5,703 373,626 62,014 441,343 LIABILITIES. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 11,3501 12,4101 NET ASSETS 838,446 862,178 FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted Revaluation reSe￿e Endowment 290,438 243,601 270,000 34,407 838,446 278,912 277,426 270,000 35,840 862,178 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 6 April 2026 and are signed on its behalf by.. The Revd Nick Bromfield (Chairman) Mr Philip Lasseter (Hon. Treasurer) The notes on pages 3 to 9 form part of these accounts. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 1 Basis of accounting The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value except the valuation of the Church Hall, which is shown at fair value and of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with.. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 1021 and with the Charities Act 2011 In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether applying the accounting policies required by the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was needed. No restalemenl was required. Funds Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Designated funds are where the PCC has earmarked some of its own unrestricted funds for a specific purpose Restricted and Endowment funds can only be applied for the purposes specified by individual donors. Revaluation Reserrfe The revaluation reserve relates to the revaluation of the Freehold land and Church hall This was revalued at the end of 2022 and will be regularly reviewed. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of Church groups that owe affiliation to another body nor those informal gatherings of Church members. Income Voluntary income and capital sources. Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned Giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received. Income Tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is received. Grants and Legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by special events are accounted for gross. Sales of books and magazines are accounted for gross. Rental Income from letting of Church premises is recognised when the rent is due. Investment ineorne Dividends and interest are accounted for when received. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 Gains and losses on Investments Realised gains and losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December. Expenditure Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when payable. Fixed Assets In so far as consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the statutory definition of charity, by Section 10{2) of the Charities Act 2011 such assets are not capitalised in the accounts. Moveable Church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal are accounted as inalienable property when consecrated. They are listed in the Church's Inventory which can be inspected (al any reasonable time). For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Leasehold improvements reflect the cost of works and goods that contribute to the improvement of the charity shop and office. Current Assets Short tem deposits include cash held on deposit with the CBF Church of England, Gloucester Board of Finance and al banks. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 2 INCOME 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds 21al Income from donations and legacies Parish giving scheme 95,575 Open plate collections 15,779 Other giving 23,467 Income tax recoverable 27,962 Appeals Sundry donations Donations and appeals Grants 95,575 15,779 23.467 28,857 2,462 1,508 96,003 15,255 26,525 28,357 2,372 522 1,700 34,245 2,070 12,612 219,663 895 2,462 1,508 20,010 5.000 38,278 227,578 20,010 7,576 39,664 234,897 Legacies Fundraising events 2.576 1,386 7,320 21bl Income from charitsble activities Magazine and bookstall Charity shop sales FOSM membership & evenl$ Church hall lellings Fees 1,720 89,421 1,720 89,421 4,000 24,813 9,548 129,501 1,876 46,931 3,527 22,984 11,238 86,557 4,000 24,813 9,548 125,501 4,000 21cl Investment income Unlaxed dividends and interest 7,265 6.777 14,043 18,407 21dl Other income Claims 1,047 1,047 TOTAL INCOME 361,391 18,097 379,488 324,626 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 3 EXPENDITURE 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds 31al Expenditure on charitable activities Grants- rnissionary and charitable giving Home missions and Church societies 2,462 2.462 2,462 2.462 2,372 2,372 Activities diredy relating to the work of Ihe Church Ministry.. Diocesan parish share Clèrgy expenses Church running expenses Church maintenance Office and charity shop- running expen$e$ Office and charity shop- maintenance Hire of equipment Upkeep of services Church hall running costs Friends of St Mary- fabric upkeep Friends of Sl Mary- running costs Organist fees Fundraising costs 173.168 2,123 26.106 54,028 30.450 2,848 1,278 4.441 5,057 173.168 2,123 26.106 54,028 30.450 162,000 4,153 22,770 35,296 14,465 12,288 1,508 6,998 4,299 28,974 iio 1,278 4.441 5,057 48.910 104 48.910 104 3.088 18.605 3,088 19.050 2,799 3,500 321.192 49.460 370.853 299,160 Totsl expenditure on ¢haritsble activities 321.192 51.922 373.115 301.533 31bl Other expendilu Administration.. Parish administrator Parish office telephone Depreciation on leasehold improvements Legal fees Bank charges Printing and siatlonery 14,100 2.365 4,606 4.213 235 14,100 2,365 4,606 4,213 235 12,038 2,223 4,156 5,227 333 3,153 28.672 3,153 28.672 2,942 26,919 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 349.865 51.922 401.787 328,451 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 41a) FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC Freehold land and Church hall Leasehold improvements Fixtures and Fittings Totsl Gross Book Value At 1 January 2025 Additions Revaluation At 31 December 2025 350,000 41,561 4,500 19,257 410,818 4,500 350,000 46,061 19,257 415,318 Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Depreciation Charge 4,156 4,606 19,257 23,413 4,606 At 31 December 2025 8,762 19,257 28,019 Net Book Value At 1 January 2025 350,000 37,405 387,405 At 31 December 2025 350,000 37,299 387,299 The Freehold land and Church Hall is in Bouncerfs Lane (opposite St Mary's C of E Schools). This has been revalued in December 2022 at £350,000 and valuations will now be undertaken on a regular basis every few years. The valuation has been undertaken by an independent chartered surveyor. The deemed historical cost of the Freehold land and Church hall is £80,000. The Leasehold improvements reflects the amount spent on the fixtures and fittings for the shop and office. The costs of which are depreciated in a straight line {10 % l over the life of the lease. 41b) INVESTMENTS- ENDOWMENT 1,550 units invested in the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund were valued at £34,407 on 31 December 2025 (£35,840 at 31 December 20241. The original cost of these units was £2,206. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 5 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total FIXED ASSETS Church hall, office equipment, et Investments with the CBF 37,299 350,000 387,299 34,407 421,706 34,407 34,407 37,299 350,000 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Short temi deposits Cash at bank and in hand 2,335 189,735 62,418 254,489 1,970 154,488 7,143 163,601 4,305 344,223 69,561 418,089 TOTAL ASSETS 291,788 513,601 34,407 839,796 Less.. LIABILITIES DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 11,3501 (1,350) TOTAL FUND BALANCES 290,438 513,601 34,407 838,446 6 DEBTORS 2025 2024 Income tax recoverable Prestbury Hall rent CBF deposit interest- Dec qlr Friends of St Mary's gift aid 1,225 1,425 2,675 405 4,305 3,752 526 5,703 7 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 St N Hall doors Roof retention Other creditors Charity donations Friends of St Mary's membership provision 1,350 2,410 1,350 2,410 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF PRESTBURY ST MARY AND ST NICOLAS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2025 STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Salaries and honoraria 14,100 14,100 12,038 12,038 The PCC employed a Parish Administrator 20 hours per week. 9 FUND DETAILS The Restricted fund is Prestbury Hall, Friends of St Mary's fund, and Youth fund. The Friends of St Mary's {FOSMI fund is run under the authority of the PCC. The income is treated as a separate restricted fund for the upkeep of the fabric of St Mary's church. Endowment funds consist of thirteen separate bequests held in the form of income units with the CBF Investment Fund. Unrestricted funds are available for the day-to-day running of the Parish. 10 MISSION GIVING During the year the congregations supported a number of charities with donations given as part of the collections at various seNices. Independent examinerfs report to the PCC of Prestbury St Mary with Nicolas I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the PCC of Prestbury St Mary with Nicolas for the year ended 31 December 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name.. Gemma Percival Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies lif any).. ACA Qualified IICAEWI Membership No. 1596755 Address.. 6 Broadway Close, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3EA Date: 12 April 2026